Chapter 100

Phoenix

Inside the club, the atmosphere is fucking suffocating. Bodies flood the building from wall to wall, everyone's movements restricted. The heavy bass of the speakers rattles through the floor, vibrating through my boots, and I can feel everyone's body heat radiating from them. Of course, I'm used to my club being busy, but I have my own office to escape to when it becomes too much. Right now, I just have to endure it, but there's no fucking way this place isn't a fire hazard.

The dim lighting casts an ominous glow over the room, making it harder to see who's who. It sets my nerves on edge. I can't shake the feeling that something could go sideways at any moment. I glance down at Selene, who's still clutching my hand. She's scanning the room too, her weariness mirroring my own. There's an unspoken understanding between the us that we need to stay alert.

Uncle Luke wandered off somewhere to watch Alpha Nathan from a distance, but I can still feel him through the pack link. Just to be safe, instead of heading straight over to where Nathan is sitting, I lead my little wolf to the bar first. The bartender barely looks up as he slams drinks onto the counter, looking clearly overwhelmed. I order whiskey for myself and a margarita for Selene. This place is so loud, I can hardly hear myself think, so it's clear I'll only be communicating to her and Luke through mind-link.

As I take a sip, I spot Greg and Ryder slipping into the crowd. They blend in perfectly, their faces impassive as they navigate through the sea of people. Good. They're doing exactly what I asked of them—staying close but hidden, ready to move at the first sign of trouble. My wolf growls in my head, sounding irritated. He doesn't like that we're in this unknown place, where anything could happen. Neither do I.

After about ten or fifteen minutes of walking around and dancing like we came here for this chaotic scene, I finally nod to Luke, and we weave through the crowd toward Alpha Nathan's table. My senses are on high alert as I scan the dark corners of the building, ensuring that this isn't some kind of ambush. To my relief, I don't find anything suspicious, but maybe that isn't good. Everything seems normal. Too normal.

When we reach Alpha Nathan's table, I slide into a chair and pull Selene onto my lap. She doesn't protest, and her body seems to melt into mine, like she's seeking the same comfort and grounding that I am. I can feel her relax through our bond, and it calms my mind a little from running wild with thoughts about what could go wrong here.

Alpha Nathan doesn't bother greeting us. He takes a slow sip from his glass, eyes locked on me like he's sizing me up. Or maybe he's waiting for me to speak first. I can't tell, considering I don't really know him at all.

"I'm glad you decided to show, Alpha Phoenix," he finally says, his voice steady. He doesn't seem at all affected by the chaos around us, instead he looks comfortable. Like he does this shit every day. "And on time too. I like that."

"Kinda hard not to with a note like that," I respond, my voice a sharp edge of steel. I meet his gaze evenly, not blinking, not showing any fear. "I need to know what you know."

He chuckles, like I just told a joke. Then, he leans back in his chair, resting an arm on the back of it. "Yeah...not so fast. I want something in return."

I raise an eyebrow, my patience wearing thin. "Like what?" I snap.

What could he possibly want that I'd be willing to trade for information about my father? If he even has any real information, that is. Now, I'm starting to think this was all bullshit. But then I remind myself that it still doesn't explain how he knew I was aware of my father's crimes.

Nathan takes another sip of his drink, clearly enjoying dragging this out. I'm two seconds away from punching him in his face. "I want an alliance with the Nightfang pack. Your father wouldn't even meet me...said I was too young and inexperienced for him to gain anything from an alliance with me."

My jaw clenches. That sounds exactly like something my father would say. Only seeing people as tools or threats. Never as equals.

A wolfish grin spreads across Nathan's face. "That's why, now that you're Alpha, I'm ready to lay all his shit bare. And believe me, I've got real, solid facts...straight from my father right before he died."

I furrow my brows. "But didn't you say he was being set up? Isn't that the opposite of getting revenge?"

He shrugs. "I guess it's my version of getting revenge because I'm not an evil dude. But there's information I have for you that I know you're unaware of. About your mother. About the money laundering, the drug smuggling, the human trafficking."

At the mention of my mother, my blood chills, but I force myself to remain still and listen.

"And before you ask how I know, I've got people in the Devils organization too. Heard you were sniffing around, asking questions." He raises an eyebrow. "Anyways, are you willing to form an alliance with my pack or not?"

"What do you think, little wolf?" My voice in my head makes her jump. I can tell she wasn't expecting me to ask her for her opinion, but like she said, we're equals.

"You're really asking me?" she responds, surprise coloring her tone. She stays facing Alpha Nathan, but I can feel her thinking it over, weighing the pros and cons like a true leader.

"I recall you saying you didn't want to be left out of anything."

She hums thoughtfully, taking another moment before responding. "It doesn't sound like a bad idea. It's been a few years since Philip rejected him, and if he thought Nathan was too inexperienced back then, he seems to have learned how to play his cards right now."

My lips twitch with a small smile at her assessment. "I agree. Let's do it, then."

I turn my attention back to Nathan, my expression betraying nothing. "My Luna and I approve this alliance. Now, talk. I want to know everything you do."